Our Faith - Religion - Prayer

St Patrick's Church Walcha

For Baptism or Marriage enquiries phone Monsignor Ted Wilkes 67784070.

Monsignor Ted Wilkes would like to invite parishioners to Sunday Mass 10am.

Term 1 Mass Dates

Friday 28th March: Mass and Reconciliation after.

Reflection

The Season of Lent Begins

Yesterday, we marked the beginning of a new season in the Church’s calendar with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. During Mass, we received ashes on our foreheads as a sign of repentance and renewal, reminding us to turn our hearts back to God.

Lent is a 40-day journey leading up to Easter, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, helping us grow in faith and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

Throughout Lent, we are encouraged to:

Pray more deeply, strengthening our relationship with God.
Fast or give up something, as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice.
Give to others, whether through acts of kindness, charity, or service.

This season invites us to reflect, make positive changes in our lives, and draw closer to God. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we embrace this time of renewal with open hearts and a spirit of faith.

Prayer

Loving God,

As we journey through Lent,

help us to turn our hearts toward You.

Teach us to pray with sincerity,

to fast with purpose,

and to give with generosity.

May we grow in kindness,

seek forgiveness,

and follow Jesus' example of love and sacrifice.

Guide us closer to You each day.

Amen.

Project Compassion

The beginning of Lent marks the launch of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion support Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency for international aid and development, in working alongside communities worldwide to combat poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice.

During this Lenten season, we are encouraged to express our compassion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, supporting those in need through Project Compassion. On Tuesday, each student received a Project Compassion box to collect donations, helping to make a difference for future generations!

Toefuata'iga story, Samoa (Project Compassion)

During this period of Lent, let us reflect upon the ways in which we can guarantee our efforts are directed towards benefiting the well-being of all future generations across the globe.

Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.

We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Toefuata'iga who lives in Samoa.

Toefuata'iga and her classmates faced frequent early school dismissals and missed lessons due to a lack of clean water. Teachers often had to leave the school to fetch water from nearby homes, adding strain to the staff and local community. The absence of a reliable water source also led to compromised hygiene, increasing the risk of dehydration and waterborne diseases, which affected students' health.

The situation changed dramatically when Caritas Samoa, a partner of Caritas Australia, installed a 10,000 litre water tank at the school.

This new water source enabled the school to maintain regular class schedules, improving both educational outcomes and student health. Attendance and enrolment numbers surged, as parents no longer worried about sending their children to a school without access to clean water.

Access to water is about more than convenience. It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and to helping students like Toefuata'iga fulfil her dreams.

“I would like to become a good teacher. To teach the children so they will have a brighter future,” Toefuata'iga said.

Toefuata'iga's school is now in a better position to provide a stable learning environment. However, with the burgeoning impacts of climate change-induced drought, Toefuata'iga and her peers still have concerns about the future of their water supply.

With your ongoing support, Caritas Australia continues to provide practical solutions for communities like Toefuata'iga’s, ensuring that clean water and education are not just dreams but realities.

Watch her story and see how her life has changed, thanks to people like you.

Walk for Lent - QR code to donate to St Patrick's Primary School Fundraiser.

Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope

The Jubilee 2025 is a special year of celebration in the Catholic Church, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." It is a time for renewal, spiritual reflection, and growth in faith.

What is the Jubilee 2025?

A Jubilee Year is a sacred tradition in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years, offering special graces, forgiveness, and opportunities for spiritual growth. It is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, and reconciliation. Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the next Jubilee Year, inviting the faithful to focus on hope, unity, and renewal.

Pilgrims of Hope

The theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," encourages people to embark on a journey of faith, trust in God’s promises, and actively spread hope in their communities. The theme emphasises:

Spiritual renewal – Strengthening faith through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of mercy.
Unity and solidarity – Bringing people together in hope, regardless of differences.
Commitment to justice and peace – Encouraging action to help those in need.

Key Events and Activities

Pilgrimages to Rome and Holy Sites – Millions of Catholics will travel to Rome to participate in special events, including Masses and prayers led by the Pope.
Holy Doors Opening – The opening of Holy Doors in major basilicas symbolizes entry into God’s grace.
Acts of Mercy and Service – Encouraging individuals and communities to serve those in need as an expression of faith.

Join Us for a Twilight Retreat on Wednesday, March 5th

We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, March 5th, our school staff will be participating in a Twilight Retreat led by the Spirituality Team from Armidale Catholic Schools. The retreat will begin at 3:15 PM and run for 90 minutes, providing an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth.

We warmly invite parents and parishioners to join us for this special session. It is a wonderful chance to come together as a community and engage in a meaningful experience of faith and connection.

If you would like to attend, please contact the school office to register your interest. We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!

Sacrament Dates for 2025

2025 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2 and 3 for Friday 24th October 2025.

2025 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 for Sunday 22nd June 2025.

2025 Confirmation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 5 and 6 for Sunday 21st September 2025.

Catherine McAuley

Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.